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Visualizations show that many of the most germ-infested objects are present in the office environment, all of which contain microflora. (Shutterstock/File)

We go through every day with a casual disregard for the germs around us.

However, The Independent reports that the average desk contains 400 times more germs than a toilet seat and, as revealed by research from the University of Arizona, we humans are the most common source of this bacteria.

Visualizations show that many of the most germ-infested objects are present in office environment, all of which contain microflora. The worst part about this is that using these objects is so second-nature that it feels we know our hygiene all too well.

Well, grab your hand sanitizer as we go through kompas.com’s list of the five most germ-infested items in the office:

An office telephone accumulates germs as it continuously interacts directly with our mouth and ears.

Research from the University of Arizona found that mobile phones carry 10 times more bacteria than toilet seats, whereas universities in Germany found touchscreen phones to be freer of bacteria that attack the skin, nose and stomach.

Keyboard and computer mouse

Most bacteria in the office come from us humans, especially the disease-causing bacteria on the keyboard and mouse.

According to research, even a hygienic and cleanliness-conscious place like a hospital has pathogenic bacteria nesting on the keyboard. Let alone a keyboard in a university, used by many strangers, often containing intestinal bacteria.

Paper

Newspapers, books and files are often exchanged from worker to worker. This allows bacteria from their hands to be transferred from one person to the other, potentially causing bacteria that carry diseases to be passed around the office.

While 90 percent of cups in the office kitchen are coated with germs, 20 percent of them also carry dirt.

Public Health England suggests cleaning cups properly to prevent bacterial growth or even bringing a cup of your own from home.

Pen

The microorganisms that causes illnesses can also grow in the pens we use to write and lend to others in case they don’t have any. In doing so, we can create a sort of microbial environment that grows depending on the number of bacteria passed from hand to hand or even from the places we were at before going to work. (saz/kes)